F1 may move season finale to Europe amid Middle East conflict
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 12:10 PM
Last updated Jul 29, 2026
Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali stated that the championship could conclude in Europe if the ongoing war in the Middle East impacts the races scheduled in Qatar and Abu Dhabi later this season. A decision on this potential shift is expected by mid-September, although the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are currently confirmed. Domenicali emphasized that the situation will be assessed closer to the deadline. The Bahrain Grand Prix was previously canceled due to safety concerns. The next race on the calendar is the Dutch Grand Prix on August 23.
- •Championship finale may shift to Europe due to Middle East conflict
- •Decision on race locations expected by mid-September
- •Qatar and Abu Dhabi races currently confirmed
- •Bahrain Grand Prix was canceled earlier this season
- •Next race is the Dutch Grand Prix on August 23
- 12:26 PMYahoo Sports — Domenicali confirms: Europe is F1's alternative for Middle Eastern races
- 12:10 PMYahoo Sports — F1 chief says season finale could shift to Europe if Qatar, Abu Dhabi races are affected by war
"Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali says the current world championship could end in Europe if the war in the Middle East affects races planned in Qatar and Abu Dhabi at the conclusion of the season. Domenicali said a decision won't be made before mid-September. “For us today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed,” he said in comments published by the Formula One website following last week's Hungarian Grand Prix.
"Stefano Domenicali confirmed to GPblog, among others, that if Formula 1 cannot travel to Qatar and Abu Dhabi for the final two rounds of the season, the championship will instead race in Europe. Speaking to the international media, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that, as of now, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will proceed as planned.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 29, 2026, 12:26 PMDomenicali confirms: Europe is F1's alternative for Middle Eastern races
Stefano Domenicali confirmed to GPblog, among others, that if Formula 1 cannot travel to Qatar and Abu Dhabi for the final two rounds of the season, the championship will instead race in Europe. Speaking to the international media, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that, as of now, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will proceed as planned.
- Yahoo SportsJul 29, 2026, 12:10 PMF1 chief says season finale could shift to Europe if Qatar, Abu Dhabi races are affected by war
Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali says the current world championship could end in Europe if the war in the Middle East affects races planned in Qatar and Abu Dhabi at the conclusion of the season. Domenicali said a decision won't be made before mid-September. “For us today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed,” he said in comments published by the Formula One website following last week's Hungarian Grand Prix.
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